The Cursed
In the late 19th century, a brutal land baron slaughters a Roma clan, unleashing a curse on his family and village. In the days that follow, the townspeople are plagued by nightmares, the baron's son goes missing, and a boy is found murdered. The locals suspect a wild animal, but a visiting pathologist warns of a more sinister presence lurking in the woods.
- Released: 2021-07-28
- Runtime: 111 minutes
- Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
- Stars: Kelly Reilly, Boyd Holbrook, Alistair Petrie, Uhm Ji-won, Roxane Duran, Nigel Betts, Stuart Bowman, Gary Oliver, Richard Cunningham, Simon Kunz, Áine Rose Daly, Amelia Crouch, Tom Sweet, Max Mackintosh, Parker Ellis, Tommy Rodger, Sean Mahon, Mish Boyko, Paul Bandey, Alun Raglan, Oisín Stack, Florie Blight, Annabel Mullion, Jicey Carina, Stuart Goodwin, Edmund Wiseman, Christopher Craig, Serge Pierre-Gaudou, Patrick Zocco, Brigitte Masure, Anne-Hélène Orvelin, Robert Charpentier, Rebecca Calder, Go Gyu-pil, Fabien Houssaye, Kim In-kwon, Kwon Hae-hyo, Carl Laforêt
- Director: Sean Ellis
Comments
- michaeldmccarthy-73481 - 3 June 2024
Not just your average werewolf movie
I was pleasantly surprised by this little-known example in the genre of the werewolf movie. There is very little in the way of transformation scenes, or indeed in any depiction on screen of the beast itself, but this is more than made up for by a strong, macabre story line, convincing characterisation, and excellent cinematography. Apparently the tale is based on an eighteenth century "loup-garoux" legend, but it transfers well to a more modern setting, which begins and concludes in the years around the first world war, although its roots are in the late 19th century , originating with an atrocity committed by the local land baron against the Romany community, hence the origin of "the curse". Well worth a watch. - mrssarahjaneclark - 1 April 2024
"Silver Screams: Unearthing the Horrors of 'Eight for Silver' - A Bone-Chilling Review"
"Eight for Silver" is a gripping horror film that weaves together folklore, mystery, and visceral terror into a captivating cinematic experience. Directed by Sean Ellis, this dark and atmospheric tale takes audiences on a journey through a cursed countryside plagued by ancient evils.
Set in rural France during the late 19th century, the film follows John McBride (Boyd Holbrook), a pathologist tasked with investigating a series of gruesome deaths in a small village. As McBride delves deeper into the sinister occurrences, he uncovers a dark secret buried in the town's history-a secret that dates back to the Roman occupation of Gaul.
What sets "Eight for Silver" apart is its unique blend of horror elements. Ellis masterfully combines elements of werewolf lore with historical context, creating a chilling narrative that feels both grounded and fantastical. The film explores themes of guilt, revenge, and the consequences of unchecked ambition, all against the backdrop of a community on the brink of collapse.
Visually stunning, "Eight for Silver" transports viewers to a bleak and foreboding landscape, where every shadow seems to conceal unseen horrors. The cinematography, paired with an eerie score, enhances the sense of dread that permeates every scene. From the mist-shrouded forests to the decaying manor house at the heart of the mystery, every location feels rich with history and menace.
The performances in "Eight for Silver" are equally impressive. Boyd Holbrook delivers a riveting performance as the haunted protagonist, conveying both determination and vulnerability in equal measure. Kelly Reilly shines as Isabelle Laurent, a woman with her own dark secrets tied to the town's history. The supporting cast, including Alistair Petrie and Roxane Duran, round out the ensemble with memorable portrayals of characters grappling with their own demons.
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its ability to balance intense horror with thought-provoking storytelling. While "Eight for Silver" delivers plenty of spine-tingling scares and gruesome moments, it also explores deeper themes such as the destructive nature of colonialism and the impact of trauma on individuals and communities.
However, "Eight for Silver" is not without its flaws. Some viewers may find the pacing slow at times, as the film takes its time to build tension and atmosphere. Additionally, the resolution of certain plot threads may leave some questions unanswered, though this ambiguity ultimately adds to the film's enigmatic charm.
In conclusion, "Eight for Silver" is a haunting and ambitious horror film that transcends genre conventions. With its richly layered narrative, stunning visuals, and standout performances, it stands as a must-see for fans of atmospheric horror and thought-provoking storytelling. Sean Ellis has crafted a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, leaving viewers both terrified and enthralled by its dark beauty.
